The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 204

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**
**Chapter 204**

“The Bennett Family Gala?”

Ava Henderson had been on the brink of expressing her annoyance at her uncle’s tendency to treat her like a child.

However, the final words of his statement ignited a spark of excitement in her eyes.

“When is it? How come I didn’t hear about this?”

Marcus Henderson let out a hearty chuckle, his fingers stroking his chin thoughtfully. “This is exclusive information, Ava. Naturally, you wouldn’t have been privy to it.”

“If I hadn’t been keeping an eye on Owen Bennett, I would have remained in the dark as well.”

“So, what’s your decision? Do you want to go or not?”

Without a doubt, Ava wanted to attend.

Deep down, she understood that if this gala were open to the public, the buzz would have been all over social media, and she would have heard about it long before now.

“Uncle, are you really able to get me in?”

Ava grasped Marcus’s arm tightly, her face radiating pure enthusiasm.

Seeing her excitement, a small, satisfied smile crept onto Marcus’s lips.

“When have I ever misled you?”

“Come on, Uncle. You know me well enough. I wouldn’t promise something I couldn’t deliver.”

Ava recognized the truth in his words, and this realization only fueled her exhilaration.

“Then you absolutely must take me, Uncle!”

This was her golden opportunity to get closer to Owen Bennett, and she was determined not to let it slip through her fingers!

Ruby Bennett observed the exchange with a frown etched across her face.

Though she was aware of the familial bond between Ava and Marcus, witnessing Ava cling to her husband’s arm and act all sweet without a hint of propriety made Ruby’s stomach churn.

It was especially painful for her, having been married to Marcus for several years. In the early days of their marriage, he had shown her some affection, but soon after, he became consumed by his business pursuits.

If he had actually achieved something significant and given her a reason to be proud, that would have been one thing. Instead, Marcus had lost every single penny he had invested.

Consequently, her mother-in-law harbored a deep resentment toward her.

Each time they crossed paths, she would throw out snide comments, subtly suggesting that not only was Ruby infertile, but she was also a source of bad luck.

While other women brought their husbands prosperity, Ruby Bennett was labeled a complete jinx, having failed to bring even a smidgen of good fortune to her husband.

Ruby felt profoundly wronged, but with a husband who was utterly useless, her standing with her mother-in-law grew increasingly pathetic.

“Alright, Ava, since your uncle has promised to take you, how about I take you dress shopping?”

Ava had a knack for using people and then discarding them when they no longer served her purpose.

She had been somewhat decent to Ruby earlier, but that was only because Ruby had sided with her.

Now, however, all Ava could think about was the Bennett Family Gala. The fact that Ruby, a Bennett herself, knew nothing about such a clandestine event made Ava lose all interest in being cordial.

“Forget it. You don’t even know about the Bennett Gala, so what good would you be to me?”

If she was going, she needed to make an unforgettable entrance—one that would ensure Owen Bennett couldn’t take his eyes off her the moment she walked in.

Ruby’s taste was atrocious; bringing her along would only ruin everything.

“I’ll choose my own dress. You should probably focus on whether you can even get into the gala yourself.” Ruby was so furious she felt like screaming.

She had been trying to help Ava, and in return, every single word from the girl dripped with disdain. Did Ava really believe Ruby was a pushover?

“Ava, you…”

Ruby forced out a few tears, casting a pitiful glance at Marcus.

She had hoped that, as her husband, he would stand up for her.

But instead, Marcus simply patted Ava’s shoulder and gently encouraged her, “Come on, you know how your aunt can be.”

“If she offers to take you, just go. Don’t worry about saving her money.”

Ruby’s eyes widened in shock.

“Enough! I don’t have time for this nonsense.”

“Buy the dress or don’t; I honestly don’t care!”

With that, Marcus turned on his heel and stormed away.

Ruby caught his muttered words just loud enough for her to hear, “This is ridiculous. If I’d known you were the one the Bennetts were sending over, I never would have agreed to this marriage!”

Ruby froze as if struck by lightning.

She glared at his retreating figure, ready to demand an explanation for his words, but then noticed him pull out his phone and answer a call.

“Really? I’m on my way!”

Without sparing her another glance, he hurried out the door.

“Aaargh!”

Ruby erupted in fury, smashing everything within her reach.

The household staff remained silent, watching her with an air of detached indifference.

Ruby’s chest heaved, her face contorted with rage.

“Fine! Fine! Since you all look down on me, don’t blame me for what comes next. None of you will get a happy ending!”

Meanwhile, Autumn Lopez wrapped up her work at the office and, glancing at the clock, decided it was time to call it a day. After all, she was pregnant and needed to think about the baby.

“Mrs. Lopez, Mr. Bennett mentioned that the gown he ordered for you has arrived. He wanted to know when you could swing by the boutique. The designer will be waiting for you to make any necessary adjustments.”

“A gown?”

Autumn’s curiosity was piqued. “Is there a gala coming up? Why do I need a gown?”

The maid shook her head. “We wouldn’t know about that.”

“But Mr. Bennett said to work around your schedule.”